Ex-Microsoft gaming VP reveals why Xbox was greenlit despite how “unlikely” it was — “they saw it as a hedge against the threat” of Japan in tech

Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.

8 avril 2026 à 18:23

25 years after the original Xbox's release, ex-Microsoft gaming VP Ed Fries says it was created to rival Japanese companies like Sony and Nintendo.

A photograph of Ed Fries.

Ed Fries served as Microsoft's vice president of game publishing and an Xbox executive until he left the company in 2004.

Xbox is finally giving Achievements a huge update with several new features — “We stood up a dedicated team to focus on fan feedback”

Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.

Par : [email protected] (Brendan Lowry)

8 avril 2026 à 15:45

Xbox is finally giving Achievements the kind of upgrade fans have been asking for for years — new features, modern systems, and even a dedicated internal team focused entirely on community feedback.

Images showing off new Xbox Achievements update for April 2026

If you bought an Xbox controller recently: Read this — Microsoft says you might be eligible for free batteries.

Windows Central - News, Forums, Reviews, Help for Windows 10 and all things Microsoft.

Par : [email protected] (Jez Corden)

8 avril 2026 à 12:15

Did you buy an Xbox controller between December 2025 and April 2026? You might be in luck.

Batteries in an Xbox controller.

Xbox controllers usually come with batteries, but Microsoft shipped a ton that were missing batteries since Winter. Microsoft has got your back, though.

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